Shock load disperser

ABSTRACT

Method and apparatus for minimizing or eliminating damage to a system by mechanical impact. The method comprises minimizing the effects of a shock load by propagating the individual Fourier components of the stress waves associated with the load at different velocities over a short distance. The apparatus of the invention comprises a specially arranged or contoured body wherein the surface boundary causes the incident angle of the individual Fourier components to continuously vary over the distance of wave propagation. The method and apparatus is provided for specific uses such as automobile bumpers, automobile dashboards, suspension systems, ship construction, particularly submarines to minimize shock load damage, cargo handling and in building foundation construction to minimize or eliminate shock damage such as by earthquakes.

United States Patent 91 Sub [451 Sept. 25, 1973 SHOCK LOAD DISPERSER [75] Inventor: Nam P. Suh,Sudbury, Mass.

[73] Assignee: The University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC.

[22] Filed: Oct. 9, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 79,615

[52] US. Cl. 267/136, 267/166 Flannelly 267/ l 36 Primary Examiner-James B. Marbert Attorney-William D. Stokes 5 7 ABSTRACT 7 Method and apparatus for minimizing or eliminating damage to a system by mechanical impact. The method comprises minimizing the effects of a shock load by propagating the individual Fourier components of the stress waves associated with the load at different velocities over a short distance. The apparatus of the invention comprises a specially arranged or contoured body wherein the surface boundary causes the incident angle of the individual Fourier components to continuously vary over the distance of wave propagation. The method and apparatus is provided [for specific uses such as automobile bumpers, automobile dashboards, suspension systems, ship construction, particularly submarines to minimize shock load damage, cargo handling and in building foundation construction to minimize or eliminate shock damage such as by earthquakes.

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SHOCK LOAD DISPERSER This invention relates to a method and apparatus for lowering or eliminating the amplitude of the force transmitted by a shock or other impact. In particular, the invention is based on the utilization of the dispersive characteristics of stress waves. Dispersion is commonly defined as the dependence of the propagation velocity of stress waves on their frequency. The degree of dispersion depends on the shape of acoustic media as well as on the type of stress waves. For example, torsional waves in a straight rod do not disperse, whereas waves associated with longitudinal and bending modes disperse a great deal. Since acoustic (or stress) waves generated by mechanical impact or noise are comprised of a number of waves with different frequencies,

a given impact can be made to disperse by letting it propagate in a specially contoured medium. By making use of this phenomenon the amplitude of a stress wave due to mechanical impact can be decreased a great deal, thus minimizing or eliminating damage to a system.

In the priorart, numerous devices and methods have been known or suggested for protecting or minimizing damage to persons or objects from impact such as brought about by automobile collisions. Among the more well known devices are various spring loaded mechanisms; however, these devices have not been successful, because, for the most part, the devices rely for efficacy on their ability to absorb or reflect, shock energy. Moreover, these devices have the added disadvantage of transmitting the momentum generated by impact without change in the force-time curve, i.e., without diminishing the amplitude of the force.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of construction and a simple, practical and reliable device requiring little, if any, maintenance, which device brings about a dispersion of the energy of impact. The method and apparatus of this invention successfully minimizes or eliminates the effects I of impact or shock and the attendant physical damage commonly resulting in automobile collisions, ship collisions and in cargo handling. The inventive method and apparatus involves propagating individual Fourier components of stress waves associated with impact energy at different velocities over short distances by transmission of the energy through a finite body. The finite body selected must be one constructed in such manner that upon receipt of impact the incident angle of the individual wave of the stress, at the surface boundary, will vary continuously over the distance of propagation.

More particularly, the invention relates to a contour means to disperse the momentum of a shock or impact over a longer time period and the method of dispersing stress waves over the contour means in accordance with the maximum ratio of the duration of loading to the length of the coil. An important embodiment of the invention contemplates the use of helical coil means arranged in a novel manner for use in connection with vehicles, ships, buildings and cargo shipping to the end that damage and noises from shock loads are minimized or eliminated.

The important object of the invention is the provision of a method and a simple, practical and easily maintained device for dispersing stress waves associated with impact energy over a short distance.

Another object of the invention is the provision of helical coil means wherein individual Fourier components of stress waves associated with impact energy are propagated.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of an effective method of dispersing stress waves in a specially contoured medium such as a tangentially loaded helical coil.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a method of determining the maximum ratio of the duration of loading a novel helical coil. device to the length to provide the most effective minimization of impact energy.

One of the most important objects of the invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for lowering the amplitude of a force transmitted by a shocker other impact utilizing contoured means, such as a tangentially loaded helical coil, in such manner that the momentum of the individual components of a stress wave is dispersed over a longer period of time.

These and other objects of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following illustrations of embodiments and descriptions of the inventive method and apparatus in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the invention utilized in connection with the hull and the basic structure of a ship;

FIG. 2 illustrates the use of an embodiment of the invention for mounting machinery in the ship of FIG. 1 to preventtransmission of noise and vibration from the machinery into the ocean;

FIG. 3 illustrates the suspension of the floor of a buildingin such manner as to disperse stress waves from the machinery;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a building with its founda tion mounted on an embodiment of the invention in such manner as to disperse shock energy from, for example, earth tremors, and isolate machinery vibration from the building walls;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention used in the mounting of the dashboard of an automobile whereby impact loads are filtered out and largely rejected;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention utilized in construction of an automobile bumper;

FIG. 7 depicts the suspension mounting of railroad car couplers utilizing an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the mounting of aircraft landing gears by means of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cargo box or container, having a mounting in accordance with this invention for cargo to protect against damage in handling and transit;

FIG. 10 illustrates the method of the invention by means of .tangential loading of a helical coil;

FIG. 11 illustrates the method and constant radiu helical coil embodiment of the invention;

FIG. l2a-l2e are oscilloscope trace patterns from axially and circumferentially mounted strain gauges used in connection with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 when the device was subjected to impact en- FIG. 15 is a graph of phase velocity versus wave number for various values of radius of gyration;

FIG. 16 is a graph of phase velocity versus wave number for two values of radius of torsion;

FIG. 17 is a graph of phase velocity versus wave number for two values of radius of curvature;

FIG. 18 is a graph of group velocity versus wave number for two values of radius of curvature;

FIG. 19 is a graph of group velocity versus wave number for two values of radius of torsion;

FIG. 20 is a graph of group velocity versus wave numbers for various values of radius of gyration;

FIG. 21 illustrates a varying radius coil embodiment of the invention and the showing of the location of gages for tests made upon the coil;

FIGS. 22a-22e are similar to FIGS. 25a-25e with the load being a 1% inch diameter steel ball;

FIGS. 23a23e are oscilloscope trace patterns for axially and circumferentially mounted strain gauges in which the operation illustrated in FIG. 21 is conducted with a 4 A long cylindrical hammer directed to the smaller end;

FIGS. 24a-24d are similar to FIGS. 23a-23e with the load being a 9% inch diameter steel ball; and

FIGS. 25a-25e are oscilloscope trace patterns for axially and circumferentially mounted strain gauges in which the operation illustrated in FIG. 21 is conducted with a 4 k inch long cylindrical hammer directed to the larger end. 7

Referring in more detail to the drawings, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1-11 preferred embodiments of the invention as they may be utilized. It will be readily appreciated that the inventive method and means described may be used wherever a dispersion of impact energy is desired to minimize or eliminate damage or noise.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is depicted a cross-section of a hull 1 .of a ship constructed in accordance with the inventive method. It is to be understood that this embodiment may be particularly beneficial in the construction of submarines. In the illustrated embodiment, there is provided an outer hull 3 and an inner hull 5. The structural connection between the inner (3) and outer hulls of the ship is provided by a plurality of tangentially mounted helical coils 7. It will be readily appreciated that by providing means for dispersing shock energy in the illustrated manner, any shock load brought about by, for example, detonation of explosives from within, or without, the ship would be dispersed in such manner that the hull of the ship would not be damaged to the extent of causing the ship to sink.

For the reason that the inventive coil means, by propagating individual Fourier components of the stress waves, acts as an acoustic filter, any noise generated by the ships machinery can be effectively prevented from being transmitted into the surrounding sea. Referring particularly to FIG. 2 there is illustrated a ships turbine 9 mounted on deck (inner hull) 5 by means of tangentially attached helical coils 7.

Any proper design for a building will take into consideration the problem of transmitted shock to the building from the surrounding earth and of isolation of shock loads and noise from a building to its surroundings. In the first situation, there is particular concern in earthquake prone areas and the latter problem usually arises when the building is employed as a factory where reciprocating or rotating machines are used. In this circumstance the floor may be isolated as shown in FIG. 3. In the illustration, high impact machinery 12, such as a large press, is shown housed in building 10 mounted on floor 14. Floor 14, while within building 10 is structurally separated therefrom. Building 10 has a footing 16 which extends into and is supported by earth 18. Machinery supporting floor 14 is mounted within the building by means of a plurality of helical springs 20 tangentially attached to floor 14 and footing 16.

Where it is desired that an entire building be isolated, possibly for protection against earth tremors, a foundation may be constructed in accordance with this invention as shown in FIG. 4. In this illustrated embodiment building 10 is integral with a basement 22. The walls of basement 22 are supported by a plurality of helical springs 20 tangentially mounted between footings 24 and piles 26.

FIG. 5 illustrates the mounting of a dashboard for enhanced safety in a conventional automobile environment. A passenger or operator 30 when normally seated is positioned away from the dashboard 32, which is mounted to the vehicle frame 34 through one or more springs 36. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring 36 of varying radius is provided with the straight end from the small side tangentially attached to frame 34 and that from the large side attached to the dashboard 32. Dashboard 32 is made up of a framed front part 38 with an aluminum backing 40. In operation, impact forces transmitted from frame 34, such as occur in an accidental collision, are dispersed in large part by the small end of coil 36. In addition, impact of an occupant 30 against the dashboard finds a yieldable contact since the dashboard is supported by the end of spring 36 have a large radius.

FIG. 6 illustrates an automobile bumper mounted in accordance with this invention. A conventional bumper 60 is mounted to the conventional frame 62 of an automobile solely by one or more helical springs 64, mounted with one end tangentially connected to bumper 60 and the opposite end tangentially connected to frame 62.

FIG. 7 illustrates railroad car couplers mounted in accordance with this invention. A conventional coupler is mounted to the car frame 72 solely by one or more helical springs 72, mounted with one end tangentially connected to the connector 70 and the opposite end tangentially connected to car 72.

The drawing illustrates the connection of two cars. In operation, the system will materially minimize jolts so commonly experienced by cargo and passengers in trains.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of the system of this invention as installed on aircraft. In operation, the invention will disperse the heavy impacts occurring during landing. The aircraft body frame is connected to a wheel assembly 82 through two of the tangentially attached helical springs 84, one on each side of wheel assembly 82.

A container or box for material in transit is illustrated in FIG. 9. Protection of cargo against damage from impact and the like is, of course, of great significance and economic importance.

In the illustrated embodiment a crate I00 holds cargo 102 for shipment. Two or more tangentially loaded helical coil springs 104 connect the cargo 102 to the bottom of crate 100. Also on the bottom of crate is a layer 106 of foamed rubber or other resilient material. 

1. A device for minimizing stress waves applied to a structure comprising: a body for dispersing stress waves, said dispersing body having a first end and a second end, at least one end being secured to a structure, the first end adapted to receive stress waves applied in the direction of dispersion of said stress waves through said second end and transmit the stress waves through said dispersing body and means for applying said stress waves in the direction of dispersion of said stress waves through said second end, said dispersing body constructed in such form and arranged in such manner that the surface boundary of said dispersing body causes the incident angle of the individual wave components of stress received to vary continuously over the distance of dispersion of said waves within said dispersing body.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the impact energy receiving and stress wave dispersing body is a coil tangentially mounted on one end to said structure, the other end of said coil being available to receive any impact energy applied.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein said coil is a helical coil.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the impact energy receiving and stress wave dispersing body comprises a plurality of coils each tangentially mounted on one end to said structure, the other end of said coils being available to receive any impact energy applied.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein said coils are helical coils.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the stress wave dispersing body comprises a coil, and an impact receiving member, said coil being tangentially mounted between said structure and said receiving member.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein said coil is a helical coil.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the stress dispersing bodY comprises a plurality of coils each tangentially mounted on one end to said structure and each tangentially mounted on its other end to an impact receiving member.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said coils are helical coils.
 10. The device of claim 1 wherein said receiving and dispersing body is a coil having a continuously varying radius.
 11. The device of claim 6 wherein said coil is helical.
 12. The method of dispersing individual Fourier components of stress waves associated with impact energy at different velocities over a short distance comprising transmission of said energy through a finite body of such shape and arranged in such manner that the incident angle of the individual wave component of said stress, at the surface boundary, of the body, varies continuously over the distance of dispersing.
 13. In a system which is or may be subjected to a shock load, the method of minimizing the effect of a shock load to said system comprising transmission of said shock load through a finite body and dispersing the individual Fourier components of the stress waves associated with the shock load at different velocities over a short distance.
 14. A shock isolation system comprising three components, two of said components being cooperatively joined by the third component wherein said system any shock load applied to either of said joined components is transmitted through said third component to the other component, said third component comprising a body of such construction that the individual Fourier components of the stress waves associated with said shock load transmitted therethrough are dispersed at different velocities over the transmission length of the body of said third component.
 15. The shock isolation system of claim 14 wherein the third component is a tangentially loaded coil member.
 16. The coil member of claim 15 wherein said coil has a continuously varying radius. 